Update: Ben Meir was reportedly shot execution-style in the back of the head while walking from his car to his home just after midnight. Shocked responses from those who worked and lived near him, after the jump.

A rising creative force at MTV Los Angeles -- behind the music for "Parental Control" and "Dudesons in America," and post-production for "Punk'd" -- was murdered with a bullet to the facehead at about 1 a.m. yesterday morning.

And strangely, despite the giant pool of blood Ben Meir was lying in, "authorities believe other passersby may have seen the body but failed to report it."

So far, there are no suspects, and the freak shooting is shrouded in mystery. The only clue is that a neighbor heard gunshots at 1 a.m.

Ben Meir's MTV production credits also include "From G's to Gents" and "World of Jenks." (Cruise his full resume -- impressively thick for such a young guy -- at the New York Times.)

KTLA reports that the young business professional had just moved to the upscale neighborhood -- a tight-knit, even cliquey, community. Last night's broadcast:

Did you know Gabriel, live in the area, or happen to witness the crime scene this morning? Please share below.

Update: The Hollywood Reporter has some more background on Ben Meir's passionate career climb.

He started in the industry as an intern at Geffen Records. His sister, Alexis Ben-Meir, is a well-known figure in the music business who has worked at MCA Records, Suretone Records and is currently at Red Light Management. Their father, Nick Ben-Meir, is a longtime business manager representing musicians.

"He was so damn sweet," says a former coworker. "He just loved music. I remember him at Coachella wanting to see every band. He was a really hard worker and super passionate about music."

Ben Meir's latest project

MTV

Update: Upon learning of Ben Meir's murder, MTV execs released a statement saying they were "shocked and saddened" by the "tragic death" of their employee, "who was a valued member of the MTV family and a beloved and dedicated colleague and friend."

One of Ben Meir's neighbors tells the Times that he "seemed like a very sweet guy," and that "this is so out of the norm for this neighborhood." Another echoes the sentiment: "Forty-seven years I live here, never before was there something like that."

Remembering Ben Meir, Weekly commenter Lyndz23 writes:

"Gabe was an amazing friend... we are in such shock and grief over this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with him and his family."